Verity Opens to Mixed Reviews and Strong Box Office Projections
The Colleen Hoover adaptation 'Verity' opens in theaters with strong financial projections despite polarizing critical reception. While critics criticize the film's incoherent tone and plot, industry analysts expect a $55 million global opening, driven by the author's massive fanbase and star power.
Key points
- The film is projected to gross over $30 million domestically and $55 million globally in its opening weekend, according to Deadline.
- Vulture critic Alison Willmore argues the movie fails due to a lack of tonal consistency, describing it as a 'painful version of the splits' between grounded reality and absurdity.
- Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett star in the adaptation of the 2018 novel, directed by Michael Showalter.
- The release coincides with the highly anticipated and divisive Tom Cruise film 'Digger,' which is expected to impact the overall box office landscape.
- Hathaway is currently pregnant with her third child and has faced recent scrutiny for her conduct at the film's red carpet premiere.
Background
Anne Hathaway has had a prolific 2026, with 'Verity' marking her fifth major film premiere of the year. Recent coverage highlighted her maternity style and a viral incident where she directed photographers at the New York premiere, an act she later described as 'horrifying' on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' The film follows previous Colleen Hoover adaptations like 'It Ends With Us' and 'Reminders of Him,' which saw strong but uneven box office returns.
How outlets are covering it
Vulture critic Alison Willmore offers a harsh assessment, stating that Hathaway 'deserves better' and that the film is 'ridiculous' in a way that no one involved seems to agree upon. She criticizes the script by Nick Antosca and direction by Michael Showalter for creating an incomprehensible plot. In contrast, Deadline focuses on the commercial viability, noting that despite mixed reviews, the film is expected to overperform due to 'walk-up business from Hoover-philes.' Deadline also highlights that U.S. presales are behind 'It Ends With Us' but predicts strong international performance, particularly in Scandinavia and Brazil. Yahoo’s coverage notes that the film 'divides critics,' aligning with the general consensus of a polarizing release.
Why it matters
The performance of 'Verity' serves as a key indicator for the viability of book-to-screen adaptations in the current market. Its success or failure will influence how studios approach future projects based on best-selling authors, especially when competing against high-budget blockbusters like 'Digger.' Additionally, the film's reception adds to the ongoing discourse regarding Anne Hathaway's public image and her handling of high-profile events while pregnant.
What to watch
The film is set for a wide theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Industry analysts will be watching its opening weekend numbers to determine if it can sustain momentum against the anticipated impact of 'Digger.' Further critical reviews and audience scores will likely emerge in the coming days, potentially affecting its long-term box office trajectory.
- Anne Hathaway Deserves a Better End to Her Big Year Than Verity Vulture
- ‘Verity’ Review: Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson Compete in Pulpy Thriller The New York Times
- Anne Hathaway Calls Dakota Johnson’s Scream During That Steamy Verity Scene ‘an All-Timer’ (Exclusive) People.com
- Is 'Verity' worth watching? Anne Hathaway's dark new thriller divides critics. yahoo.com
- ‘Verity’ To Seduce $55M+ Worldwide Opening As Box Office Braces For ‘Digger’ Impact – Global Preview Deadline
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